Absidia-Mucorales

The specimen is the Fungus Absidia. The specimen is stained by Lacto phenol plus cotton blue. These were found growing on left over yogurt in my trash can. The fasciculated sporangium (8th photo) arising in bundles is a characteristic feature of Absidia.

Sporangia of Absidia

NOKIA 3110c. 1.3MP, 675x (45 X 15).

NOKIA 3110c. 1.3MP, 675x (45 X 15).

Observe the sporangia in these specimens. The columelloplasm is almost obliterated in some specimens. The sporoplasm is completely filled with the sporangiospores. The sporangia are umbrella shaped. The columella cleft can be seen. The sporangiophores are thinner than the vegetative hyphae.

Sporangia of Absidia

NOKIA 3110c. 1.3MP, 675x (45 X 15).

NOKIA 3110c. 1.3MP, 1500x (100 X 15). Oil immersion.

Observe the initial developmental stages of the asexual sporangiosporangia. The peripheral protoplasm (also called Sporoplasm) and the inner Columelloplasm are very well differentiated. Observe a hyphae branching from the point of origin of the sporangial hyphae. The spores haven’t yet begun to form.

hyphae & spores of Absidia; lactophenol plus cotton blue staining

NOKIA 3110c. 1.3MP, 1500x (100 X 15). Oil immersion.

NOKIA 3110c. 1.3MP, 675x (45 X 15).

In this photo, observe a small branching point or bud. The cytoplasm is hyaline just beneath the fungal cell wall. Certain regions of the protoplasm stain deeply than others. The spore-asexual ones are roughly spherical but at times are slightly distorted or even ellipsoidal. The spores are transparent and non-pigmented.